YSP NEWS 5771
News, views, & articles from the editorial staff of YSP...
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An Interactive Shiur
Tuesday, 2 Av
Ever since the three weeks began a special course was added to the learning program in which the Talmidim have been studying the laws and structure of the Bais Hamikdash, as per the Rebbe's Hoiraah.
Yesterday - the first of the nine days during which we mourn the destruction of the Bais Hamikdash - these classes got a special boost as the Talmidim gathered in the Zal for the first section of a multi-part interactive Shiur. Prepared by YSP's very own staff, the Talmidim were shown pictures, videos and slides, giving them a very real picture of what the Bais Hamikdash looked like, with a full running commentary of what they were seeing as they showed up.
The course is supposed to continue throughout the nine days
Mivtza Gemorah Ba'al Peh
Sunday, 29 Tammuz
Positive reinforcement is at the forefront of the educational focus groups and forums. YSP is determined to stay current and ahead of its peers on these vital yet sensitive issues.
No exception with this latest tidbit of information that the webmaster was tipped off with, by a man who identified himself as the Learning Director.
The five volume Shnayim Mikra set is of the most often used Seforim a Bochur uses in his Yeshiva career. Tapping into this need, a mivtza was conceived. Signs were made, charts affixed, rules & regulations announced and the project was in full swing. "Since it started, it has been difficult to be be their Magid Shiur, to be honest with you", said one of the dedicated learning teachers. "I mean just one after the other they keep coming over to me requesting to be tested. I almost have no time for my own Chitas and Rambam learning". said the learning teacher explaining himself.
What are the terms, you ask?
Patience, I answer.
First, I must tell you; a group of wise men once said: "A brain is like cement; in its youth it is still soft and impressionable".
Therefore we believe it is of utmost importance to be filling the youths minds and memories with holy content. what better content, than the very Perek of Gemara that they are presently studying?
The terms are simple: You learn it by heart, you get the set of 5 Seforim.
But wait, there are Bochurim I see proudly carrying this set you speak of, and I'm of the belief that they have not finished the Perek, YET.
Aha, that brings me back to the beginning of this blurb. It's a bit hazy, but I recall there was something about positive reinforcements.
So my friends, now you see how YSP operates. We keep the positive energy rolling, just like the weekly shabbatons, the daily best Chavrusa prizes, the pizza parties for best learning classes and late nights to name a few...
SINGER. PERFORMER. FARBRENGER
Friday, 25 Tammuz
You can feel a change in the atmosphere in and around Morristown, specifically in YSP. One has to only spend but a moment on the campus to notice that something is amiss. Murmuring is heard among the Bochurim.
YSP has reached out to the world class cantor requesting that he join the ranks of the likes of Rabbi Feller Etc. and grace us with his prescence.
Singing during the Three weeks, you ask? That is correct. Great perception. You're paying attention! Congratulations.
As much as Rabbi Baumgarten is a prince on the microphone and in concert halls, he is a king at inspiring crowds, and yet an emperor, nay, caeser at dealing precisely with this age Talmidim.
Rabbi Baumgarten brings tears, he brings laughs, he has the ability to lift you from your present state and fly you to the esoteric worlds and bring you back with a funny, down to earth and practical anecdotal story, he has done this with many crowds the world over, and now he will lift us up as well. We are proud to have him.
The Living Pudding
Sunday, 22 Tammuz
As the sweltering heat abated ever so slightly and even go way to a brief thundershower to cool the sun-beaten earth, parents flocked to Morristown to visit their sons in YSP. Uncles, aunts, mothers and fathers came to see first hand the living pudding which is YSP Morristown.
Counselors and learning teachers were on-hand to answer the pressing questions from the visitors. Those whose loved ones were geographically or otherwise unable to be visited also enjoyed a visiting day to remember. It started off with a one-of-a-kind scavenger hunt in the department store that has alluded New York City, the grandest store of them all, Wal-Mart. In true Summer Program style, the bochurim excelled in the outlandish and downright funny as they collected blank cheques and signed business cards. (The spelling of cheques with a 'que' in the Anglo style is a fine way of making the word into a Homonym as opposed to a Homophone). But the fun was not over, it was off to Historic Speedwell to experience a bit of the historical magic Morristown had to offer. (Did you kbnow that part of Morristown's history is the fact that the Friediker Rebbe visited here) While the bochurim were just edging towards the end of their enchantment with the Morristown history, it was off to experience something a little more modern. It was off to the local seven 11, where slurpees were doled out, each to his own and ceremoniously slurped back in Super Summer Style.
For those with visitors, each will have the memories and news of their own.
We all know that empty feeling. The empty feeling of the person who brought my giant nosh package going home. The thought that now packages will only come via Fedex or UPS. But YSP has a remedy for that too as with the departure of the visitors the bochurim were treated to a hilarious ( Note how even in the American English spelling of hilarious there is correctly placed "u" as should be in "colour" etc. Boggles the mind? English?!) and hypnotic show.
Satiated to the max with affection and fun for all, it was one of the easier lights out of the Summer as the happy Counselors roamed the halls of content bochurim who happily with their boxes in their cupboards went calmly to sleep.
Everything But the Overnight
Friday, 20 Tammuz
As the tri-state experienced yet another scorching day, scorching would be the apt adjective in describing the exhilliration of the Thursday trip.
Firs stop it was off to paintball tag to see who would work the best as a team to capture the other teams flag. Precision, accuracy and agility to name just a few skills put to the test.
As 175 Gallons of water was consumed on a day when the sweat on ones brow wasn't worth mopping as it would simply return, the bochurim had a hearty and wholesome lunch.
Having benched and consumed more liquids of the H2O chemical make-up, it was back on the fields in an attempt to paint a friend.
As that part of the day drew to a close, it was time for snacks. The irreplacable pair of Polish and Pure Life or bottled water as most know them were on hand once again to quench the never abating thirst. They were partnered with a favorite on any day, th taste that stood the test of time, yes fried donuts.
Quite a fulfilling day and it had hardly begun. It was then off to the Rosenhaus estate where the Bochurim experienced everythiing but the overnight. Plenty of sprawling acres of open field for the bochurim to exhibit, without any league pressure, their sporting goods in the various sporting codes. The frisbee was given a new lease on life as the bochurim enjoyed throwing the dome shaped frisbee to and fro, with much glee.
As the sunset and the heat of day continued into the heat of night, the bochurim collected wood for the fire, which on this night was tuly for effect and nothing else. Maariv followed and then it was time for all the wanabee scouts to exhibit whether their fire building skills were as good as the pile of wood looked.
Camp songs, by the fire farbrengens and one of kind camaraderie. Wow what an absolutely awesome day.
Rabbi Feller Inspires YSP
Monday, 16 Tammuz
There is the colloquial honor of hosting and then there is the true honor of hosting. YSP had the extremely true honor of hosting Rabbi Moshe Feller, Head Shliach of Minnesota.
Rabbi Feller inspired the bochurim on numerous occasions. Rabbi Feller first spoke to the bochurim before Kabbolas Shabbos, telling them of the Friediker Rebbe's fearlessness in Rabbi Feller's distinct and captivating manner. The proof in the attentiveness of the bochurim was testified by the silence that prevailed throughout Rabbi Feller's talk.
Besides for having Rabbi Feller daven with us throughout Shabbos, Rabbi Feller sat with the bochurim and Farbrenged on Shabbos Day following seudas shabbos.
YSP wishes to thank Rabbi Feller for coming for Shabbos and for giving of himself to the bochurim in his usual uncompromising fashion. While inspiration is usually abstract, the words and presence of Rabbi Feller made the inspiration palpable. Thank You.
Hurricane Harbor
Friday, 12 Tammuz
Wow, what a day. The day started of serenely enough with the bochurim attending learning classes. Few could have expected the fulfilling fun that was about to be let loose. But all were made to hold their breath that little bit longer as a sports activity went ahead as scheduled. And then the buses started making their way up the crescent which leads to the front doors of the RCA.
Knapsacks strewn over the shoulders of bochurim packed with bathing suits, towels and a sweater for good measure. No need for the sunblock as this would be a water experience with a difference. It was first a trip to the grounds of Gan Israel Manapalan, where the bochurim were treated to dinner. Pizza, fries and soda were served. Each bochur also received a tzitzis bendel. After bentching, it was back on the buses for the short trip through the vast expanses of Monroe County to Six Flags Hurricane Harbor.
Then it was time for four hours of pure fun. Slides and water rides the best in the world in water parks had to offer, were thoroughly enjoyed by all. The fun was complimented beautifully with the great Kiddush Lubavitch that was made, as the water park is rented with other frum Jewish boys camps.
As the Gregorian day neared its end and the beginning of the next one, the bochurim washed neggel vasser and headed out the park. They changed into their proper garb, complete with hat and jacket and davened maariv following which snacks were served. Donuts and bottled water to cap off a truly enjoyable evening for all.
Canoe Trip
Tuesday, 10 Tammuz
Monday morning, and it was time from the bochurim of Y.S.P to find out what our wonderful Creator blessed New York with , besides for the hustle and bustle of New York City. As Hashgocho Protis would have it the bochurim experienced a beautiful New York day weather wise as they canoed and kayaked their way down the Delaware River. The staff doled out sun tan lotion in abundance to ensure that the rays of the glorious summer sun would not burn the skin of the precious bochurim. While all conscientiously rubbed the necessary lotion in, spots that alluded the crucial cream, were treated by the on hand aloe vera at the end of the canoe trail.
We all know that spending some time in and around water usually induces to prominent effects. Needless to say the effects were felt by the Y.S.P bochurim too. The bochurim were famished and exhausted. The famished part was duly taken care of in the same stylish and organized fashion as everything else that goes on in Y.S.P. Delectable donuts and a choice of super snacks were on hand to relieve the pangs of not having eaten for three hours. For the health fanatics we are proud to say there was an abundance of bottled water
Ice Skating and Laser Tag
Thursday, 3 Tammuz
Thursday was yet another trip day in Y.S.P. There was regular learning class in the morning, followed by lunch and Mincha.
After mincha the cheer inducing busses pulled up to the front of the Rabbinical College. When at the peak of summer, sweaters were deemed to be mandatory, the only destination that could be on the GPS is the ice rink. However this was an ice rink with a difference. While the New Yorkers and Montrealers got to strut their stuff on the smooth ice, others waddled their way around the rink, never getting more than 3 feet away from the wall. The fully rented out ice rink provided alluring amusement for beginner and skilled alike.
While many would have been content to board the busses and return to the Rabbinical college, it was not to be, because of course there was more. An interesting duo, but like sweet-chilli or honey and mustard it proved to be more than toothsome as some time on the ice rink was main course, beautifully side dished by a game of extreme laser tag.
It would have been fair to allow the bochurim to meander around as others had their chance to duck and dive, around the neon light lit laser tag course. Yet it is known that aimless milling about is usually a springboard for mischief. Therefore each and every bochur was given $5 worth of tokens to enjoy at the various and numerous arcade games that were on site.
The trip was concluded with donuts and soda.
Gimmel Tammuz in YSP
Teusday, 3 Tammuz
Gimmel Tammuz in YSP was marked in the manner befitting the day. During morning learning classes the bochurim were explained the significance of writing panim by their learning teachers and then wrote their panim. Shachris followed and at 9:45 the buses left YSP for the Rebbe's Ohel. The bochurim stood on line, following which the bochurim had lunch in a park near the Ohel.
The bochurim got on the buses again and headed to 770 for mincha. The bochurim arrived back at YSP at 6:40 and although physically a touch weary, definitely enriched by the significance of the day.
Two farbrengen's will follow during night seder with Rabbi Oster and Rabbi Hecht.
Rain Outdoors, Sunshine Inside
Sunday, 1 Tammuz
The weather bureau was off the mark again but the rain came down all the same. Obviously nothing that hinders the rigorous routine of learning classes. As of yet, YSP does not own an indoor sports arena, which would mean that the exhibition games would have had to have been called off.
But Hashgocha Protis and a great kindness as the rain fell on the scheduled sports draft day. It was excitement as the bochurim poured into the zal in anticipation of what is known to be the most competitive summer program sports leagues.
It was a few words of caution and encouragement from the illustrious sports director and then it was off to the announcement of the captains and league names.
The milchik and fleishig leagues were picked and the team captains announced. The first four draft picks were done in the zal and the rest will be done by the league commissioners in private. A method proven to be worthwhile from a time perspective and a bochurim emotional spirit perspective, ensuring there will be never a last pick.
If the draft is anything to go by then sports fanatics may be looking to book their seats for YSPorts leagues now.
Settling Into Routine
Sunday, 1 Tammuz
It was the first Friday in YSP and for some bochurim their cupboards of freshly laundered clothes had transferred into their laundry bags in a less clean state. But no reason to fret because Friday is the time to bus down to the Laundromat, to start taking note of the labels on the clothes that we always thought had no other meaning except to ensure that we don’t put them on backwards. While the machine does the washing the true test comes when each bochur attempts to do the perfect Amon fold on his clothing, usually ending in scrunching all his freshly laundered clothes into a ball and neatly stuffing it into his cupboard.
Shabbos lived up to and exceeded expectations. There was high participation in Farbrengens and T.B.P.
Settling Into Routine
Thursday, 28 Sivan
As Chabad websites wheel and deal for the pleasure to publish pictures and posts, from the undisputed champion of Yeshiva and summer synthesizer, for the bochurim schedules continued as per the usual. (We stress that usual is a relative term, what we mean though is usual by Y.S.P standards) It included full quota of hard fought exhibition games. The day of Chof Ches Sivan was marked in a befitting manner, with Rabbi Gordon (the Director of YSP) farbrenging with the bochurim, following night seder.
In preparation for a trip for the Ohel and 770, a preparatory mivtza has been launched, with details to follow.
First day of Learning Classes & Sports
Wednesday, 27 Sivan
Monday saw Y.S.P live up to its illustrious name in due fashion, as the Yeshiva part of the program lifted off into full flight with resounding success. With a full quota of sedorim taking place, for many bochurim it was a pleasant introduction to their first taste of Yeshiva routine, albeit in a more relaxed and caring atmosphere.
After building some brain muscle, it was time to build some physical muscle, and soak up some of the summer sun in pre-season sports training. Players and referees alike, took to the fields and swimming pool in an effort to shake out any of the cobwebs that may have crept in during the winter, in order to be into full gear as the rigorous and intense season arrives in the next few days. As the games heated up and the sweat began to flow, liquid intake was also increased as a cooler with cold water was on hand by each sports field, to quench the thirsts of the bochurim.
YSP is well known for mixing a balanced routine with sumptuous surprises. Following Dinner the bochurim were loaded on the buses and were off to the Strike N Spare AMC bowling lanes. The untold of fun of bowling at lanes with blaring Chassidishe niggunim and 170 bochurim all of the same age enjoying the summer experience of a life time.
The methodical fusion of Summer and Yeshiva left the bochurim salivating for more Y.S.P action, but it also left them in need of a well earned sleep. Lights out followed with little incident.
And Here We Go.....
Tuesday, 26 Sivan
It was the punctuality and precision that YSP, has become renowned for as the busses departed Kingston and Montgomery at 2:15 PM. A drive through Brooklyn, and then through Manhattan, the Holland Tunnel, the Pulaski Skyway and eventually the rolling hills of Morristown, New Jersey.
BH, the bochurim and their luggage arrived in good health. The wait is over and the fulfilling fun is about to begin. The bochurim are spread between the fourth floor of the original RCA building and the third floor of the new building.
yspmorristown.com, is your on site destination for everything about anyone in YSP this Summer. You could e-mail a talmid by using the e-mail a talmid tab on the home page. Send us your feedback on our website by sending an e-mail to yspmorristown.
We pride ourselves in providing up-to-date photos with enthralling news bulletins to accompany them.
Looking forward to keeping you informed on the happenings of YSP this Summer.
The editorial staff of yspmorristown.com.
YSP….WE ARE READY
Thursday, Sivan 29
The long winter nights have come and gone, at least for this year. The outdoors of the Rabbinical College of America’s beautiful campus has once again sprung to life.
Birds sing their sweet melodies, atop the majestic Pine trees which line the driveway up to the main building. The baseball field has shed the white wintery snow, as is now a luscious green as it basks in the sunlight of those late summery sunsets. Squirrels, politely scamper about everywhere in the hope of finding that extra elusive acorn, and then at night a quiet sense of tranquility resides upon the campus as deer come to graze merrily on the succulent grass that adorns the illustrious campus. All this symbolizes one thing, YSP is around the corner.
YSP is a more than unforgettable; it is a truly memorable summer. The long days saturated with learning and fun, is enough to make those who have been there well up with memories, and for those who haven’t been there well up, rightfully so, with expectation.
So while you diligently complete your year, we would like to inform all those who are and will be associated with this incredible program that; we are ready. From the baseball fields to the book shelves, from the head-counselor to the webmatster.
We just wanted to give you that assurance that there are three letters that will always be associated with you and a spectacular summer, they are the letter after X and the one before T, and lastly the one between O and Q, for those who don’t like riddles they are YSP.
